we got married in my backyard

I haven't written a blog post since May...wow. I really dropped the ball, however I did spend a lot of it sick. If you read my last post, then you know that life slowed down tremendously & I was trying to get my body in balance once more. After having parasites two times, two stomach infections, a concussion, and an ear infection--I was beat. I took a much needed trip back to the States at the end of June and got the medicine to reset my system. I'm happy to say that I'm back to full spend & then some.

In June/July, the trip back home was not jammed pack full of activities--it felt nice to rest in my old bed and in the AC. I got to see some friends that I hadn't seen in close to two years & took a few much needed trips to the Farmers Market. Overall, a 10/10 trip.

On July 30, 2022 my life changed. I got to marry my best friend in the backyard garden at the house I live in. Our day was hot, sweaty, a little bit of rain, but perfect. Our closest friends and family got to be crowded around us around the lemon tree. Everyone shared words of love, encouragement, and advice. Out of all of the ways I imagined my wedding day, there's no way I could have pictured such a wholesome and intimate encounter between Mauricio, myself, and our loved ones. My parents even got to be there which made the day that much more complete. Everything down to the tiniest of details represented so perfectly who we are as a couple. This day gave us the confidence to walk hand in hand starting our new journey.

So now what? We've decided to live here for the foreseeable future. I'm applying for residency, we're looking for a house, & we're trying to get a few small businesses off the ground. I'm still working at the Center; teaching classes, creating, and doing photography. I feel happy and balanced--something I prayed so long for.

Although I feel like I was just home, I'm also happy to announce that I'll be visiting at the end of September through the beginning of October. A pleasant surprise & I'm stoked to see pumpkins for the first time in two years.

A short, but sweet blog update for everyone. Thank you for coming along on the journey (:

Clara

#1: My friend Lucas & I at the Cape Farmer's Market

#2: Grandpa and I with a popular El Salvadoran beer

#3: Finding "the dress" #4: My parents and I ate a local school event drinking Atol (a hot drink made out of corn)

#5: My last selfie in the airport before heading back into El Salv

#6: My watercolor painting class on Saturday afternoons

#7: Mauricio's fresh bread made in a stone oven

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